Only 12 of 276 drug dealers get mandatory 10 years in jail

ONLY 12 convicted drug dealers out of a total of 276 have been given the mandatory 10-year sentence despite the introduction of tough legislation four years ago.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell said he intends to address the fact so few dealers are given the mandatory sentence for possessing over 12,760 worth of drugs with intent to supply. He said the legislation was being “judicially disapproved”. “There is some reason to believe that the full effect of that provision is not being used in sentencing policy in the State. We must address that because it is either constitutional or it is not,” Mr McDowell said.

The law does allow for judges to hand down a lesser sentence than 10 years in exceptional circumstances, if the defendant pleads guilty or offers information that leads to further arrests or seizures.